Saddle (Technique Demonstration)

1935/1942

Gerald Transpota

Associated Names
Gerald Transpota

Artist, American, active c. 1935

The image depicts a saddle design process, starting with a pencil sketch and progressing to a fully colored drawing. The floral patterns and rounded forms stand out. The color palette shifts from soft grays to light yellows, oranges, browns, and deep browns with shading. The series shows the development of the design from initial sketch to final vibrant illustration.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor, graphite, and pen and ink on paper

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 35.6 x 26.7 cm (14 x 10 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.17982

More About this Artwork

This painting depicts an angel in flight, facing the left and playing a trumpet. The angel's wings are spread out behind them, and their feet are extended out horizontally to the right. A small rod or post extends downward from the torso of the angel. The angel is entirely painted in shades of yellow, reddish-brown, and gray, reminiscent of weathered metal with patches of rust. Small rivets are visible at joints and edges of the angel, which appears to be comprised of small panels. The background of the painting is plain beige paper.

Article:  Seven Highlights from the Index of American Design

Peer into the American past with a collection of Great Depression–era watercolors.

Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

lower right in watercolor: GTranspota jr

Wikidata ID

Q64571796

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